The 15-kilometre Makole–Poljčane–Makole cycling route starts and ends in Makole. It adds an active touch to other discovery themes: karst, Baroque architecture and regional traditions. When planning, it is worth keeping access requirements and schedules in mind.

Karst Cave and Landscape

Jama Belojača has 550 metres of accessible passages and is one of the longest karst caves in Haloze. It is home to cave crickets, bats and small beetles. The two passages cannot be accessed without caving equipment, so check the requirements for a visit before setting out. The cave is a nature attraction in its own right, and access to it should not be confused with an ordinary walk.

Štatenberg Landscape Park includes the castle hill with Dvorec Štatenberg, the area around the confluence of the Dravinja and Ložnica rivers, and nearby ponds. The castle, river landscape and ponds are therefore among the park’s described features. Slap Šoštarica waterfall in Stari Grad offers a different natural attraction: it is ten metres high and flows intermittently. Its seasonal nature is important when planning, as the water flow can vary.

Dvorec Štatenberg and Local History

Dvorec Štatenberg is a Baroque building near Makole, on the edge of Haloze above the Dravinja. It is known for its frescoes and stucco work in the Knights’ Hall and elegant salons. Guided tours are available in the museum section. From November to April, visits to Dvorec are possible only by prior arrangement. As seasonal visitor arrangements may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Bernadekova domačija in Štatenberg also offers a glimpse into the region’s past. The more than 200-year-old farmstead presents an authentic story of everyday life in the past to groups by prior arrangement. A visit is therefore limited to groups with a booking; plan accordingly and confirm the arrangements in advance.

Cycling Route, Train and Hiking Trails

The Makole–Poljčane–Makole cycling route passes through Poljčane and ends back in Makole. Its stated length is 15 kilometres. This clearly outlines the route itself; it does not imply anything about its current condition or guided packages.

A tourist train travels through the Dravinja Valley with an expert guide, introducing visitors to the area’s cultural and natural attractions. Operations may change, so it is advisable to check the current conditions before planning.

Various marked hiking and mountain trails lead from Dvorec Štatenberg through the hills of the Dravinja and Haloze regions to Boč and Donačka gora. These destinations give the trails a clear direction, although no walking time or difficulty level is specified. Check the trail markings and conditions locally.

Wine, Food and Events

At the more than 200-year-old Kavklerjeva klet in Jelovec pri Makolah, tastings of Muškat otonel wine are offered alongside homemade cured meats and fresh bread from a wood-fired oven. Confirm that tastings are available before setting out. Local specialities in Makole also include Haloška gibanca, Ocvirkovka and various breads from a wood-fired oven; individual offerings may vary.

An annual tradition is the concert in honour of Saint Urban at Kavklerjeva klet. Check the dates in advance if you would like to plan your trip around it. The traditional Idi na Makole event takes place in early June in Makole’s market square. Here too, it is a good idea to check the specific event dates before travelling. The market square is also home to a wine fountain.

Discover more destinations: Leskovec, Zgornja Polskava, Oplotnica, Slovenska Bistrica, Kebelj, Zgornja Ložnica.

Back to the main travel overview: Slovenska Bistrica.